Scientists have discovered an unexpected indicator that may indicate a predisposition to alcoholism.
This was reported by URA-Inform with reference to the American Journal of Human Biology.
According to a study conducted at Swansea University, the length of the ring finger relative to the index finger may be associated with the risk of alcohol abuse.
Researchers have found that people with a longer ring finger than their index finger are more likely to abuse alcohol. This is due to the effects of hormones in the womb: high levels of testosterone, which affect finger development, can also predispose to alcohol dependence in the future.
Professor John Manning, the lead researcher on the project, emphasizes that these data represent an important step in studying the factors that contribute to the development of alcohol dependence. The discovery may contribute to the creation of new approaches to the prevention and treatment of this disease.
Previously, the professor's team has studied the connection between finger length and various aspects of health, including immunity to infections and physical endurance. Despite the significance of the discovery, scientists remind us that finger length is only one of many factors.
Genetics, psychology and social conditions also play an important role in the formation of addiction. However, new research helps to better understand the biological mechanisms that influence the tendency to alcoholism.
It will also be interesting to learn that our emotions significantly affect the functioning of internal organs.
